Famous Family Poem

Aging can be a tricky topic, one that’s difficult for people to navigate. Famous poet Maya Angelou (1928-2014) shares her thoughts on this topic. Although the speaker knows her body doesn’t work quite like it used to, she doesn’t want to be treated differently. Even though her body has changed, she is still the same person she used to be, and she doesn’t allow aging to bring her down. She still has value and the ability to live a full life. Maya Angelou was a very influential person, and her writing exudes confidence and authenticity.

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Reading this poem was very heartfelt and personal. Maya Angelou has always been my favorite author of all times, but reading this particular poem reminds me of my grandmother who I was lucky...

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Famous Poem

On Aging

By Maya Angelou more Maya Angelou

When you see me sitting quietly,
Like a sack left on the shelf,
Don’t think I need your chattering.
I’m listening to myself.
Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!
Hold! Stop your sympathy!
Understanding if you got it,
Otherwise I’ll do without it!
When my bones are stiff and aching,
And my feet won’t climb the stair,
I will only ask one favor:
Don’t bring me no rocking chair.
When you see me walking, stumbling,
Don’t study and get it wrong.
‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy
And every goodbye ain’t gone.
I’m the same person I was back then,
A little less hair, a little less chin,
A lot less lungs and much less wind.
But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in.

more Maya Angelou

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Cyndy Reed Stewart
1 month ago

It was soothing - as I was looking for poetic words to honor the elderly. It did not quite evoke the kind of heartfelt emotional response I was looking for in a Maya Angelou poem. But as always, this poem does move you and make you "think" about the realities of becoming old. I was looking for the more romantic version of aging

by Courtney Cade
5 years ago

Reading this poem was very heartfelt and personal. Maya Angelou has always been my favorite author of all times, but reading this particular poem reminds me of my grandmother who I was lucky enough to have been raised by. Losing my grandfather recently, I saw big changes in my grandmother, who was once full of life and love, but since his passing she just always sits and stares off into deep thought. The family tries to keep her busy and visit often so that she doesn't feel alone, but to me, alone isn't alone; it's a quiet, peaceful time to gather your thoughts and reflect on your memories, which can sometimes bring you as much joy as being around a crowd. I never told her, but I totally understand and can read straight through, but being silent, she never expresses exactly how she feels, which can sometimes get misunderstood.